Action Comics #896 also included the next chapter in the Jimmy Olsen back-up feature written by Nick Spencer and drawn by RB Silva.
This story really resonates with the more wacky nature of the Olsen stories from the Silver Age. Back then he had all sorts of powers and got into all sorts of crazy predicaments. This definitely feels more like one of those Olsen stories. This is in a bit of a contrast to the more serious look at Jimmy that we have had during the New Krypton story.
I always talk about preconceived notions and how I need to really try to go into things with an open mind. But it is hard not to read stuff by Spencer without a jaundiced eye now that he has jumped ship with Supergirl.
Last issue, Lois talked about setting Jimmy up on a date to shake him out of his doldrums. Little did Jimmy realize that Lois was talking about a charity auction called MediaCares where people bid to go out on a date with journalists.
Jimmy is against the idea but Lois is adamant. And she thinks the best thing he can do to 'upsell' is to keep mentioning that he is Superman's pal. I am sure that will help Jimmy's confidence.
The night gets even worse when it turns out that Chloe is also one of the media members being auctioned off. And, of course, Jimmy's nemesis Sebastian Mallory ... he off the big bank account ... is in the audience as well. Certainly Jimmy can't compete in a bidding war with Mallory. He can't buy Chloe's love back.
But I think we have seen enough of Chloe to know that she still has feelings for Jimmy. She even says that he is cute when he is jealous.
As expected, Mallory pays big bucks to win a date with Chloe.
At first it looks as if no one is going to bid on Jimmy, regardless of his status as Superman's pal.
Then ... suddenly ... a mystery woman comes in and bids one million dollars. It is crazy ... almost ludicrous. But I think that is the purpose of this story, to show just how wild Olsen's life is.
Surprisingly, Maggie initially turns out to be 'cool'. Jimmy has a nice beginning of the day, strolling through Metropolis where he is able to recount many of his adventures.
I liked this one where he coolly talks about his relationship with Lucy. Is it supposed to be Lucy Lane? Is there relationship still in continuity? Nice icicles on the word bubble though.
At dinner, a number of strange things start to happen making Jimmy wonder just who he is dating. She has already told him that she is from 'out of town'. When he asks her last name, she pulls out her card because her name is hard to say.
That's right ... her last name is Mxyzptlk!
Now this is definitely something that would happen to Jimmy in the Silver Age.
Jimmy tries to escape the restaurant from the men's room to no avail. As he exits the restroom, he finds himself suddenly transported to his wedding ceremony. Maybe this is another one of those nutty 5th dimension weddings where Maggie is trying to get another imp jealous.
This story is pretty much fluff. Like cotton candy it is sweet but melts to nothing. I doubt this will have any long lasting impact on the Jimmy character. Will Chloe also stick around after this?
RB Silva really has a nice crisp style so I hope to see him around after this story ends.
Overall grade: B
Fluff, definitely, but is that bad? I enjoyed every page.
ReplyDeleteFluff, definitely, but is that bad? I enjoyed every page.
ReplyDeleteNot at all! I don't mind silliness.
I think I am still nursing the 'Spencer dumping SG' wound.
And I understand those Olsen fans who think this is a vastly different character portrayal than recent years.
It is a different portrayal, but I can accept it's the same guy. Even in his Seventies period as super-newshound Mr Action, Jimmy was still having adventures with genies and the like. To me, it's the same as Supergirl having a rotten time due after New Krypton but finding moments of fun with Batgirl and a bunch of Draculas.
ReplyDeleteIt's 2011, how many people wear bow ties anymore?
ReplyDeleteA fair few in the UK, usually young men on nights out - mainly thanks to Matt Smith's Dr Who. I love the look.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if it's Myxie's girlfriend.
ReplyDeleteHas to be Mxyie's GF otherwise it is Mr, M marrying Jimmy and that is probably just a step too far for "Action Comics".
ReplyDelete:D
Meanwhile I would pay double cover price to see Jimmy out on a blind date with Supergirl. The comic potential along with a certain wistful subtext would be preemo.
John Feer
I think I am still nursing the 'Spencer dumping SG' wound.
ReplyDeleteMe too, I try to remind myself that I don't really know that it was Spencer doing the dumping and not DC or even a mutual decision. I suspect you're right though, DC's response since has been pretty flat-footed as if they were caught off guard. Sort of a Pee-Wee Herman "I meant to do that" take.
I wonder if it's Myxie's girlfriend.
Ooooh! Miss Gzptlsnz! Now there's a supporting character for a fluff Jimmy comic!
Meanwhile I would pay double cover price to see Jimmy out on a blind date with Supergirl.
That could be pretty funny. She could tell him the story of the Hall of A Thousand Olsens. That reminds me of Supergirl 59: "I don't... I don't really have time to date." Kara better be careful, looks like Lois is a would-be matchmaker.
Being Mxy's girlfriend would be a funny new twist.
ReplyDeleteToo bad we have to wait a bit to get to the end of this story.
This is a conspiracy/paranoia level thought that occurred to me about Spencer. What if he planned to only do a one/or most of one story arc the publicity, the interviews, and all of the internet helped spread word about this "new" writer, Nick Spencer, DC Comics had hired for Supergirl.
ReplyDeleteNow Supergirl is so well known and recognized by almost every person (even by non-comic book fans) in the USA compared to his Morning Glories even the T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents he is working on.
Perhaps Spencer USED the PUBLICITY from the Supergirl promos to simply get his name out there. Thinking that the fans would also check out and follow him to the T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents series perhaps his Morning Glories series too?
I know Spencer got a free publicity spot when I shared the info with the Legion of Substitute Podcasters and they talked positively about Spencer taking over Supergirl and his past work, for several minutes on their podcast. Publicity that PR money can't buy.
I admit maybe it is paranoia on the level of John Feer?
Wild idea, Val, but I can't see Nick Spencer being that cynical, plus, it risks Supergirl fans making a mental note to check his work out, then being peed off, not bothering and taking against him, harming future sales on all sorts of projects. It's likely nothing more than a case of him taking on to much - being excited about Sueprgirl, but finally having to prioritise. I say give him the benefit of the doubt.
ReplyDeletethe art is excellent
ReplyDeleteI'm paranoid?
ReplyDelete:D
Vigilant yes...but paranoid?
:D
John Feer
This direct quote was written by you, John Feer from a comment made about Supergirl #52 review dated April 23rd 2010.
ReplyDeleteYeah until I read this thread I thought, I JOHN FEER was the internet's most paranoid Supergirl fan. My distrust of DC was and IS legendary.
From you keyboard posted on this blog! giggle ;) :D
I think all of this unease comes from the absolute silence around the title from DC.
ReplyDeleteIf after we learned Spencer was leaving there was an interview with Peaty or a post on the Source plugging the title, or *anything*, I probably would feel a lot better.
But with nothing coming out, I also start to look for conspiracies or start to worry about the direction.
Is this the first issue that Chloe featured in? (This is Chloe from Smallvilel right?)
ReplyDeleteWhy will it be a while before we read the next installment? Is the backup going elsewhere?
I think all of this unease comes from the absolute silence around the title from DC.
ReplyDeleteNo kidding! They need to do or say something. For an organization with the sort of promotional skills, marketing talent, and continuous self-promotion that DC has shown in the past this looks pretty bad. The announcement that he was gone came on December 16th in a side-note to a blurb about Spencer's T.H.U.N.D.E.R Agents work. It's now a week into the new year and we've heard nada from anyone.
Every day this goes on makes DC look worse, and makes the fans more uneasy.
Would the hot new writer stay on a title that was bound for cancellation or a character that was about to be "liquidated"?
ReplyDeleteLets put that out there....
John Feer
I remember reading interviews saying there was a two year plan for Supergirl and the Justice League mentioned either by Gates or Robinson or maybe both.
ReplyDeleteThat at the end of the War of the Supermen there were many seeds planted and it would take about two years for them to "mature".
I do remember just before the "adult" Brainiac 5 left Kara he vowed he would "see her again." Hopefully it is one of Gates/Robinson's seeds.